Thanks for the kind words. My Wife and I purchased this boat (called "At Ease" at the time) from Phil Acosta at Marine Services in Stockton. We drove it from their docks directly to a Diablo Yacht Club cruiseout for a St. Patrick's Day weekend event at Driftwood Yacht Club before ever taking it to our home slip. We did join the Catalina Club as well and hope to see how others are enjoying their own Chris-Craft boats.

Yup, I'm familiar with your 381. Been aboard a couple. I beleive they come with twin gas 455s standard. If it's as clean on the inside as it looks outside, you really got something there! Nice.

Although we've had little traffic recently on the Forum, I like to think some do visit. There's a vast amount of info on the thread and some pretty knowlegable people still check in now and then. eEspecially when there's technical things going on.

Best, Diver

ps- BTW, there will ba a 'gathering' at Clipper Cove Labor Day. The new East section of the Bay Bridge will be open for a walk-on. A lot of boat people will drop the hook in the cove and partake. Oasis would make a dandy addition!

Oasis,
Judging by the picture, this is a fine example of a 1981 381
Catalina. I owned one for five years before moving up to
the 500 Connie. Big mistake. Wish I had the 381 back.

Most of these came with 454 Mercs but in later years a few
were produced with the 454 Crusaders. These were very
popular boats and were an off-shoot of the 350 Catalina
series which was the most popular Chris Craft cruiser
produced in it's size range. I loved the aft cabin with the
king-sized bed and side door feature. Many times we
would get to the boat late and simply did not want to deal
with opening the canvas, etc. With a nice finger pier, we
were able to simply open the side door and step down
inside the cabin. Nice. I imagine your '81 has the bunk set
up forward? That was changed to the island berth in later
years. I hope you continue to enjoy this beauty. You have
kept her nice.

My parents first boat on the Great Lakes was a 1983 381. I loved that boat. I bought a 281 last year and although I love it, I am currently and activly shopping for a 381. (Let me know if anyone is looking for a 281 in good shape near saginaw MI)

Nauti great to see you here. I am waiting to hear from the marina. I checked out "Old Man's Marina in Mt Sinai. I hope I get the green light. If so I hope to have the HHIII up here mid April. I will keep you posted. It killing me I have not seen her in 8+ weeks my wife is in Florida now she will check on her tomorrow . That report will be " she is ok she is floating " If she only knew .... Have a great night all

Oasis, If you haven't done so already, I strongly encourage
you to join the San Joaquin Delta Power Squardron (you can
find them on the web) It's a national org. with squadrons all
over the US. My major regret of leaving the delta is losing
contact with this group. They have numerous cruises both in
the delta and the bay. They also have a large island just off
the main channel that is open to members use. Has a
beautiful dock, barbque facilities, and frequent weekend
activities. My wife took a safety class from them called
SkipperSaver. It teaches wives and girl friends how to
operate their boat plus docking in an emergency.

Wow I have been on this site since the very early days-and
even though I have not been on in awhile it took me 2 days
before I could post here that is a real shame-it would just
not accept my membership number or my password and
when it did it would say sorry trouble with server-try again
FINALLY I AM IN!! Hooray!! hi guys! glad to see some of the
old old still here-I have to say the new cc site is easier to
navigate but it doesnt have the same format as this site so
there is + and - to both sites there is a great bunch of cat
guys up there just as there is here The main thing is we
ALL LOVE OUR CATS!!My cat SALLY is still cookin along and
other than the last 1200 I just got thru spending on her she
is doing really well-I will visit this site more often
BOATMAN66

Thanks for posting Pete...I haven't been on here in ages. Although I
am a Whaler guy now I still love pre-1987 Chris Crafts and hope to get
another CC Catalina. Dad sent me this Craigslist ad for a 25' fixer-
upper in Fort Myers....maybe as a retirement project in a bunch of
years :) never know!

Ahoy all,
Redwood City Police called a 'cover-in- place' due to a large propane tank igniting and leaking close by- all streets are closed-weird, it's quiet outside! Felt it a opportune time to write a brief update.

We watched as America's Cup Team USA retained the Cup! Yea! It's hard to appreciate how fast these things can go without being there...

We have upgraded our old CRT TV to a "Spectere"19" LCD monitor with built in DVD player. It has selectable 110 BAC/12VDC power. We purchased it online from Walmart for $128, free shipping. We also purchased a Samsung BluRay/WiFi unit to go with it from Costco for $78. This is a huge improvement! With the WiFi, we now have internet access, including EMail, Google search etc.

We sure hope all our Catalina family are still alive and kicking- miss the inter actions on the Forum.
Anyway, will will post more later...
The sirens are howling again...
All the Best, Diver

Wow Diver Looks Great . I did the same thing on my girl. I kind of miss this site. Nice to see there are still a few posts going . Diver it was nice to also see you on the other site. Glad every body is well.

Nice job on the tv Diver-and yes the cup race was exciting-
Amazing how those cats can go so fast on just two foils and
get up so high-It would be nice if We could do that with our
cats!Were you out there on your Girl?

Well, its a new year and I always look ahead with optimism.
An encouraging thought is that unless the whole site folds, the Catalina Forum will always be available when needed. I'm an optimistic kinda guy. I try (and sometimes fail) to keep things in perspective, especially when it comes the internet. There will always resources online like the Catalina site. Although what some might view as outdated, I see the internet as a tool- no more, no less. In the end, we all rely on own resources to sort things out afloat. This is as it should be, especially when under way.
That said, your view is understandable and I am thankful you made mention of it. Being mid-winter also may have something to do with things too. Obviously, key to the workins in the Forums are the postings. On this site, Although really a different type of vessal and there for different usage I also monitor The CC constellation thread with great interest. I observe the ebb and flow of their postings which reminds me of the posting volume aspect.

So.

We have just finished hauling Lorelei. I am in the process of moving my office, so there has been a delay in keeping up, but I do plan postings on our experiences dealing for the 1st time> blisters, maintenance of plumbing, employing of a new boatyard, driveline status following 4 years in the water etc.

Hey Caps , Hang in there . Happy New Year ! Boat US did this by not letting non members post .At one time this was a great site But the traffic on the other Catalina site is great .Again thank you Rick for all your hard work and time to make it great.

Diver I have been on here the same time as you and I ALWAYS like to read your posts and input. I was happy to see you on the other site. I have not seen you over there lately . I'm sure you are busy but I really hope to see your posts soon again over there ! I do enjoy reading them. I have learned a lot from you . Happy New Year and good luck with the move. Boat man hope the engines are coming out well I like reading your posts as well!

We just splashed Lorelei after San Francisco Boat Works Rolled on 2 coats of Petit Trinidad Antifouling paint.
It was valuable info the Yard manager imparted to me about to two basic types of paint applicable based on whether the boat stays in saltwater year round or is hauled out.

1) ablative paint: a softer paint which gradually, at a measured rate, becomes thinner over time. The key is that it is recommended for boats that operate in saltwater and are trailered or hauled like in the winter.

2) AntIfouling paint: This is a harder paint where the copper in it leaches out but the paint doesn't loose any of its mass. Intended for boats that stay in saltwater. If the boat is out of the water for more that 72 hours, the antifouling function ceases. This is particularly important for those who haul your Cat for winter- use an ablative paint.
Below:
Lorelei all set to go back in the water

There was only one blister that penetrated past the jel coat and into several layers of the FG laminate. Again, The yard manager saw little concern. Cat hulls of the period are a full 5/8" thick and damage was generally found to be localized and minor in nature. The blister was sanded out and filled with FG resin and bottom painted. There is much discussion about blisters which boils down to that there is a point where blisters are either widespread, slows the boat down and is expensive to deal with,
or
localized Blister(s), few in number. These can be repaired as funds and usage dictate. The key is to not sweat it- good news!

Below:of more concern is being sure of completely removing bottom paint chipping so the new coat has good adhesion.

The running gear was in good condition. Everything was straight, the seals good with the strut bearing a little worn but ok . The thing to remember is that in salt water, the running gear is subject the mass reduction due to electrolysis- particularly the prop. Our prop is reduced somewhat and will need to be replaced next haulout, maybe sooner but is ok for now.
Below: note the fair to good condition of the zincs and that the gear is clear of barnacles- good news!

We also had the bonding and ground wire connectors visually checked- especially around the fuel tank, shaft and rudder logs and the engine's grounding contact points- looked ok.
Finely, we replaced the fuel tank vent hose and the vent fitting in the hull. We also had the head vent hose visually checked and its vent fitting replaced. These were maintenance items where it turned out that the vent hose was of a very heavy rubber hose and really didn't need changing out. There was no way to tell without replacing it and checking it outside the boat- in my view- worth the effort and money if there is any doudt around the fuel system.

All in all, we are verysatisfied with the work that was done, especially since they did it over Christmas in 1 week!

Below- back in the water!

This boatyard is located in the ship repair area of San Francisco. The sights in the area of the general goings on was very cool- Navy repair, container ships, cruise ships.
The yard was having their winter specials and there was a 1st time customer discount including free breakfast for two next door at 'The Ramp'. Also, on Sundays, they the best live Samba/Latin music this side of Porto Rico. Very cool

This is cruising season for power boating in SF bay. We're heading out for an overnighter at Angel Island and get some hours on our new bottom!

Let's see some more post on the forum! I miss the chit chat.
fair winds, Diver

Hey Diver she is looking good . Glad you get a good deal Now that I am back in NY and my boat is out of the water for a few mouths I am going to change up my paint as well . I think next year I am going to replace the props too.

I have gotten MISSS Donna a 50' Connie down to Clearwater Beach
Marina. Lots of Catilina's around here.
There is also a 49' Rpamer that has totally been rebuilt. Also a bit of
customizing on the aft deck. New yanmars, electrical, bow thruster,
the works. It is on yacht world.
Deffinetly not as roomy as the townhouse I brought down.

Yes diver good to see you had not sunk!!I am doing basically
the same as you did but have gone deeper into the
overhaul(it's been six years for me)with eng. removals
etc.you can follow the job on the other site as their pic posting
is a lot easier than here-looks like lorelei is all ready to go!You
have been busy!!

Pats 2ndConnie,
Consider that CC spent decades perfecting hulls that ended up in production. There are two things right off that I can think of that are identical between Catalinas and Connies: Hull shape and huge spaces inside.
Pete37 is right about these boats aging. I guess one thing about the Cats is they are simpler, which of course is a two edge sword. I guess The old saw applies though: 'thar's nothing like messin 'bout boats'...
Fair winds,
Diver

The hulls that the Connies we generally talk about (not the
woodies) were originally Pacemaker molds, which were
bought by Uniflight and then by Chris Craft when Uniflight
went under. The Commander hulls were true Chris Craft
hulls designed "in house" by Chris Craft designers. The
Chris Craft 42 Catalina (and off shoot 480 Catalina
cockpit), the 460, 500 and 501 hull molds were all Uniflight
molds. Many companies have bought molds from many
other companies. Those suckers are expensive! From the
Uniflight History page:
"In 1977, Uniflite acquired boat molds from Pacemaker
Boat Co. on the East Coast and started a second Uniflite
plant in Swansboro, North Carolina.
In 1980, a fire almost totally destroyed the Uniflite plant in
Bellingham. However, since they had molds in Swansboro
they were able to continue production of their boats.
In 1984, Uniflite was acquired by Chris Craft for $10 per
share. Chris Craft built many of the same boats under the
Chris Craft label. Unfortunately, Chris Craft stopped
production in 1989." Most of our boats were built at the
Swansboro facility.

While the Uniflight history page doesn't show a 50' vessel (it
does show the 46), I know that as the company was
floundering, they did get a couple of 50's out the door. One of
them used to sit on Sarah Creek in Gloucester Virginia at York
River Yacht Haven. I met the owner and managed to have a
peek inside. The owner kept this boat immaculate. I was
stunned, because I never knew that Uniflight made the 50 at
all.

Agreed Diver, I have learned to enjoy the work. There is a difference
when I am not under pressure, as in traveling in an area where you
can't get squat. If i am in an area where we will stay for a month or so
and I have a vehicle, not to bad. It's fun.

Hey Boatman! I see you have a 294! I had one as well. I
LOVED that boat and had so much fun on it. You don't see
a lot of 294 Cats around, do you? As to your comment: I
believe the 250 - 294's were Chris designs as well as the
350 and 381. I also owned a 381 Cat. Another Great boat!
A lot of boat for the buck. The 350 Catalina had the
longest run of any Chris Craft Cruiser. Also, more of the
350's were sold than any other model. One of my good
friends had one and literally cried (along with his wife) the
day he sold it. But it was a necessary sell due to work
move. Anyway.......in case you haven't noticed I love
talking about Chris Crafts. I'm not an expert and don't
know a lot about the woodies, but study them when I have
time. There are two Chris Crafts I would like to have in
my dreams; A) A 381 Catalina with Yanmar diesels (only a
few were built and all were Volvo diesels). I would like to
find a great deal on a very good (structurally speaking)
381 and remodel it to include Yanmar diesels (Yanmar
makes a drop-in that will fit the 381) and diesel genny.
And; B) The 480 Catalina with the Caterpillars. They built
a moderate number of these cockpit models and many had
big blocks but you can find the diesel versions. They are
basically the 420 with an extended cockpit. You get the
advantage of a walk-thru transom (great for pets an us
older dudes), AND a two know speed advantage over the
420 due to the extra hull length. As you know, I currently
have a 500. It is a very comfortable boat and a lot of boat
for the money even at today's dollars. But it is a lot of
boat to maintain. And places we used to go with the 381,
we cannot go with the 500 without dropping the hook and
using the dinghy.
Now I'm rambling...........later.........

Yes emory I love my 294 I upgraded to 350s from 305s a lot
better performance I am currently working on re-doing the
engines one is in the shop and the other is waiting-they were
installed in 2006 so 7 years was a good amount of time on
them-they are still sound and internally very clean-I am in the
process of replacing the steel oil pans with the aluminum ones
that were on the 305s and it is going relly well-I am hoping to
pull the fuel tank after I get done with the motors I need to
inspect the exhaust systems and all of the "stuff" in the
lazarette area as I cannot get in there otherwise haha-

eshover Love the facts ! I love the 350 cat as well great boat. I will get one as soon as I feel I can give up my 281 . MY 281 was my Dad's and would so hard to give up :-( keep the facts coming. Are you aware of the other site ? www.chriscraftcatalinaclub.com

Very interesting post on hulls and histories.
I do recall bits and pieces of info over the years concerning the Chris Craft- Uniflight relationship. Looking at them, it's not a reach to see what you're talking about.

The subject of spaces on Connies is futile ground. When Connies were designed, there were no computer design algorithms or modern fabrication to 'optimize' space management in for instance, a Connie's huge spaces. I've been aboard a few Connies and always felt how great it would to throw a partiy on them- lots of floor space. I got the feeling the boats were designed for social gatherings-in-style, leaving lots of little-used space when recovering from last weekend or last night. That said, again, Catalinas and Connies are very similar in that they are easy for remodel projects.

We constantly hear how people are impressed with the interior space on Catalinas, I imagine the same is very much true with Connies, maybe more so.

We generally use the Cat for Bay cruises, overnighters dock to dock. Cats lend themselves very well to many uses- even, up to a point, coastal passages- although with a gas 280 single it would be risky for off shore stuff.

Next weekend we are anchoring out for a couple of days in a raft-up with friends. For things like that, we carry a Honda 2000i portable generator. It actually doesn't get much use, just chilling down the Refer and for the blender. We probably won't even need the blender as one of the our scurvy pirate friends always brings a gas powered weed whacker-come-blender contraption. At has two speeds: off and 10.000 RPM makes a perfect blended libation every time.... in about 5 seconds. We get blended, whip up supper, toast the sunset and get more blended.

I know the subject of AV systems were mentioned on the Connie Forum, but Since I posting here- may I suggest Considering Jensan RV/'Marine head units. They are robust, versatile, reasonably priced considering what they do and look good:

The unit we have has CD/ DVD drive, front and back Aux-in, remote, (also a cool extension remote sensor accessory available. This is for non line-of-sight control of the unit) , external amplification capability- on and on- cool unit.
Diver

Funny when ever someone boards my 281 Cat the first thing they say is "wow I can't believe how much room you have on here! I agree it is a very big 29 footer. As for off shore when I had her in Florida for 10 years I took her off shore many times even to Bimi in the Bahamas . I never really had any issues. I do have (2) new 350 motors and I trust her . I really think she is an amazing boat. I have taken her on 4+ hour trips one way and she does great. I would love a 350 cat but right now my 281 will do.

As for A/V that's what I do . I am an A/V designer and engineer. I have been in this field for 20+ years and have worked on many yachts. We use and prefer the Fusion and Clarion marine you can't beat these units. As for speakers we go with JL Audio or Wet Sounds . If any one has any questions please don't hesitate to ask. As for Jensen it is a good consumer brand and works well. Now that I am back in NY I have my boat pulled out of the water for the winter. I just pulled off the swim platform today and I am going to have it fixed and redone.

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